BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Impact Hub Houston: Empowering Impact Entrepreneurs, Startups, and Community! - ECPv6.18.4//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://houston.impacthub.net
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Impact Hub Houston: Empowering Impact Entrepreneurs, Startups, and Community!
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20250309T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20251102T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20270314T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20271107T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261103T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261103T200000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111448Z
CREATED:20261031T111448Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111448Z
UID:112614-1793721600-1793736000@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Innovation x Culture Summit
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/12ioljzb The Innovation x Culture Summit is back to spotlight the power of entrepreneurship and investment in Houston! ​The Innovation x Culture Summit will feature: ​Black Futures Market – a curated showcase of Houston’s innovators\, brands\, and creatives​The 713 Connection – a reception with music\, local bites\, and drinks​Fireside Chat – a conversation on the intersection of culture and entrepreneurship in Houston​Kindly note that this event is scheduled on Election Day\, so please plan accordingly to ensure you get to cast your vote!
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/innovation-x-culture-summit/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/112614_image_InnovationxCulture.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261103T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261103T190000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111450Z
CREATED:20261031T111450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111450Z
UID:112615-1793725200-1793732400@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Tech & Tequila: Building Technology for Human Possibility
DESCRIPTION:Register Here: https://luma.com/wavk8wi4 Tech features can be copied overnight. A genuine purpose can’t. ​When every software company has access to the exact same cloud tools\, code libraries\, and AI models\, fast building isn’t a competitive moat anymore. Your purpose is. ​Join Blue People in Houston for a practical\, transparent conversation on how to transform a clear “why” into software people actually trust\, adopt\, and value. ​Whether you’re a non-technical founder translating real-world experience into code\, or a tech leader looking to stand out in a crowded market\, this session breaks down how to build for real human impact—without getting lost in tech hype. ​What We’ll Cover:  \n​Purpose as a Moat: How a clear mission guides product choices\, attracts the right investors\, and sets you apart from copycat tools.  \n​Building Without a Tech Background: How non-technical founders can successfully bridge the gap between domain expertise and scalable software.  \n​Tech That Connects: Designing products that strengthen human relationships instead of trying to replace them.  \n​The Human Possibility Framework: Simple criteria to evaluate if your software just speeds up a task or actually creates new opportunities for users.  \n​Stop building technology for its own sake. Start building tools that drive human possibility. ​Tuesday\, November 3rd\, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM ​The Ion HoustonHosted by Blue People
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/tech-tequila-building-technology-for-human-possibility/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261104T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261104T120000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111451Z
CREATED:20261031T111451Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111451Z
UID:112616-1793782800-1793793600@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Startup Heat Simulation
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/bg6isp5z The Startup Simulation is an in-person startup simulation that brings founders\, investors\, mentors and ecosystem partners together to navigate real decisions\, tradeoffs and uncertainty\, before the stakes are real. ​Players allocate limited resources\, build a team\, choose where to focus and respond to uncertainty. Decisions compound over time\, surfacing patterns and blind spots through safe failure and reflection. ​All of the participants encounter fundraising\, team building\, resource allocation and go-to-market decisions in a shared experience that can make later workshops\, mentoring and ecosystem relationships more valuable.
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/startup-heat-simulation/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/112616_image_Angel-Investor-Accelerator-2-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261104T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261104T200000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111451Z
CREATED:20261031T111451Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111451Z
UID:112617-1793815200-1793822400@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Can We Build the Next Virtual Patient?
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/rbsdhlcn​ What would it take to simulate a patient well enough to change how we train\, test\, research and deliver care? ​This edition of Evening Rounds explores digital twin technology in healthcare: how it is being used today\, where it could meaningfully improve patient outcomes\, and what would have to be true for virtual representations of patients to become useful in real-world <a href="http://care.​What” target=”_blank” title=”care.​What”>care.​What if we could test a treatment on a virtual version of you before treating you?​Across healthcare\, researchers are building increasingly sophisticated digital representations of patients — models that can potentially simulate physiology\, disease progression\, treatment response\, and other aspects of health and care. ​They’re often called digital twins. ​But the ambition behind the idea is much bigger than simply creating a digital model of a person. Could we use these models to compare treatments before choosing one? Anticipate how disease might progress? Test medical devices and care pathways? Train clinicians against realistic patient scenarios? Or explore interventions before exposing real patients to them? ​And if so\, how accurate does a virtual patient need to be before we should trust what it tells us? ​How much of a human being can we actually simulate — and how good would that simulation need to be before anyone should make decisions with it?
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/can-we-build-the-next-virtual-patient/
LOCATION:Industrious\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/112617_image_Nov-Evening-Rounds-Poster.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261106T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261106T103000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111452Z
CREATED:20261031T111452Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111452Z
UID:112618-1793953800-1793961000@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Ion Networking with Cup of Joey
DESCRIPTION:What is the purpose of Cup of Joey? It is to create a connected culture of coffee shop-open networking across our region. Every Friday morning\, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new and expand your current networks\, talk about tech\, inspire innovation\, and create community. So\, what is the difference between a cup of joe and a Cup of Joe-Y? It is the WHY. It’s not what you do. It is why you do it! At the Ion\, these are questions that we want to explore with the tech and innovation community. So\, show up\, be friendly\, and make new connections. Know your why\, and we will get to the future together. The future is only a cup away. Register Here: https://www.cupofjoey.org/
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/ion-networking-with-cup-of-joey-4/
LOCATION:Ion – Lobby\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/103812_image_CoJ1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261106T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261106T110000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111452Z
CREATED:20261031T111452Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111452Z
UID:112619-1793959200-1793962800@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Welcome to the Ion: An Introduction and Tour
DESCRIPTION:Join the Ion’s Mentor in Residence\, Wade Pinder\, for an engaging tour and introduction to the Ion\, Houston’s dynamic hub for innovation and entrepreneurship\, powered by Rice University. This event is designed for entrepreneurs\, students\, professionals\, investors\, community leaders\, and anyone curious about what the Ion has to offer. For those new to Houston and eager to connect with the local innovation ecosystem\, this event provides the perfect opportunity to get <a href="http://started. \nThe” target=”_blank” title=”started. \nThe”>started. \nThe tour will begin in the lobby at 10:00 AM and conclude at 11:00 AM. During this time\, participants will learn about the Ion’s resources\, events\, and facilities. Highlights of the tour include the technology showcases\, coworking spaces\, public areas\, and the on-site restaurants and <a href="http://bars.About” target=”_blank” title=”bars.About”>bars.About Wade PinderWade Pinder is a dedicated advocate for Houston’s innovation community\, serving as the Ion’s Mentor in Residence. With a wealth of experience in product management\, community building\, and fostering entrepreneurial growth\, Wade offers invaluable insights into how the Ion serves as a launchpad for ideas and <a href="http://innovation.The” target=”_blank” title=”innovation.The”>innovation.The Vision of the IonPowered by Rice University\, the Ion is the epicenter of the 16-acre innovation district in the heart of Houston’s midtown. Committed to being the home for Houston’s innovation community\, the Ion District propels the transformative culture of people\, places\, ideas\, and experiences that build a better quality of life for all of <a href="http://Houston. \nThe” target=”_blank” title=”Houston. \nThe”>Houston. \nThe Ion is a beautifully restored building at 4201 Main Street. It connects Houston’s talent\, academic\, corporate\, and entrepreneurial communities in a collaborative environment designed to inspire and grow ideas. The Ion serves as a space where serendipitous collisions lead to meaningful connections and <a href="http://opportunities.What” target=”_blank” title=”opportunities.What”>opportunities.What to Expect \nCoworking Spaces: Explore flexible work areas tailored for collaboration and <a href="http://creativity.Public” target=”_blank” title=”creativity.Public”>creativity.Public Spaces: Discover spaces designed for networking\, inspiration\, and community <a href="http://events.Restaurants” target=”_blank” title=”events.Restaurants”>events.Restaurants and Bars: Experience the on-site dining options that make the Ion a lively <a href="http://hub. \nThrough” target=”_blank” title=”hub. \nThrough”>hub. \nThrough its programs and partnerships\, the Ion empowers individuals and organizations to build\, solve\, and innovate. From prototyping to pitching\, accelerating to sustaining\, the Ion is Houston’s headquarters for turning ideas into <a href="http://reality. \nWhether” target=”_blank” title=”reality. \nWhether”>reality. \nWhether you have a promising product\, an intriguing technology\, a budding business idea\, or are simply curious about the Ion and its offerings\, this tour will provide valuable insights into how the Ion can help connect your “What-ifs” with “What now.” Don’t miss this opportunity to explore and be inspired by Houston’s innovation ecosystem.
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/welcome-to-the-ion-an-introduction-and-tour-2/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/105600_image_Welcome-to-the-Ion-Website-01-scaled-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261106T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261106T113000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111453Z
CREATED:20261031T111453Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111453Z
UID:112620-1793959200-1793964600@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:NASA Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:NASA is bringing its expertise to Houston’s innovation hub! Every other Friday\, join us for NASA’s office hours\, designed to bridge the gap between Houston’s innovators\, entrepreneurs\, and startups with NASA’s elite experts\, capabilities\, and technology.   \nLicense the Future: Discover how to utilize NASA-developed technologies and intellectual property for your own <a href="http://projects.Partner” target=”_blank” title=”projects.Partner”>projects.Partner for Growth: Explore how to grow your own goals and NASA’s mission together by leveraging unique human spaceflight capabilities and expertise from NASA Johnson Space <a href="http://Center.Build” target=”_blank” title=”Center.Build”>Center.Build the Sector: Help us grow Houston’s commercial space <a href="http://ecosystem. \nCome” target=”_blank” title=”ecosystem. \nCome”>ecosystem. \nCome with a vision\, leave with a partnership. Just come walk up and say hello\, or sign up in advance here.
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/nasa-office-hours-3/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/108625_image_32-Image-Placeholder.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261106T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261106T113000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111453Z
CREATED:20261031T111453Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111453Z
UID:112621-1793959200-1793964600@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Rice Tech Transfer Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:Have an idea\, startup\, or company looking for innovative technology? Meet with the Rice University Office of Technology Transfer during office hours at The Ion to explore how university research can power your next breakthrough. Our team works with startups\, entrepreneurs\, and established companies to help commercialize cutting-edge technologies developed at Rice. During these office hours\, you can: Discover Available Technologies – Learn about Rice innovations available for licensing across fields like health\, energy\, engineering\, and <a href="http://computing.Understand” target=”_blank” title=”computing.Understand”>computing.Understand the Licensing Process – Get a clear walkthrough of how to license university technology and what is required to move <a href="http://forward.Explore” target=”_blank” title=”forward.Explore”>forward.Explore Collaboration Opportunities – Discuss potential partnerships with Rice researchers and ways to turn research into real-world products. Whether you’re building a startup\, scouting new technology\, or exploring research partnerships\, stop by and connect with our team. Come with a question\, leave with a path to commercialization. Stay connected and hear about new technologies available for licensing: https://mailchi.mp/rice/new-email-signup-page
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/rice-tech-transfer-office-hours/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261106T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261106T113000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111454Z
CREATED:20261031T111454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111454Z
UID:112622-1793959200-1793964600@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:SCORE Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:About SCORE Office Hours SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer\, expert business mentors. Since 1964\, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs start\, grow\, or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10\,000 volunteers provide free\, expert mentoring\, resources\, and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Office Hours with SCORE take place each Friday morning. Additional partners will be on-site the second Friday of each month (excluding holidays)
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/score-office-hours-3/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/103819_image_6H1A1559-HDR-Edit-scaled-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261106T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261106T130000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111454Z
CREATED:20261031T111454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111454Z
UID:112623-1793964600-1793970000@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:AfroTech TechWalk | Houston
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/techwalk-co9k We’re building a different sort of networking event for members of the Tech and SaaS communities to get outside\, meet new people\, and enjoy some fresh air\, while practicing mindful movement. ​Every week\, we’ll gather at an easy-to-find meeting spot and then take a leisurely stroll through the park\, appreciating the scenery and forging new connections in a friendly and inclusive setting. ​This is a chance to network\, share ideas\, and build relationships in a healthy and refreshing alternative to the average happy hour.
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/afrotech-techwalk-houston/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261106T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261106T120000
DTSTAMP:20261105T180306Z
CREATED:20261105T180306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261105T180306Z
UID:112780-1793961000-1793966400@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Think Visual Houston Meetup with Georgia Linton
DESCRIPTION:Join visual thinkers from all walks of life for a chill meetup at The Ion\, where creativity meets visuals and fresh ideas flow freely.\n\n\nThink Visual Meetups are monthly in-person events for professionals in any industry looking to expand their visual communication toolkit and be inspired by meaningful stories about the power of creativity and visual storytelling.\n==========================\nWhen What You Built No Longer Fits Where You’re Going\nMost organizations aren’t failing because of bad strategy. They’re failing because the structure they built for yesterday is running the strategy they need for tomorrow. \nGeorgia Linton is an executive operator\, transformation advisor\, author\, and creator of Kalpana Architecture™ — a proprietary framework for diagnosing and closing the gap between strategic intent and operating reality. \nWith more than two decades of leadership experience across energy\, industrial\, and complex operating environments\, Georgia helps leaders\, founders\, and organizations identify the disconnects that quietly undermine sustainable performance… before those disconnects become crises. \nIn this Think Visual session\, Georgia will challenge us to take an honest look at the structures we’ve built and whether they still serve where we’re actually trying to go. \nJoin us on Friday\, November 6th to explore: \n\nWhat is Organizational Coherence\, and how do you know when you have it or don’t?\nHow might we better understand whether any organization is actually designed to execute what leadership intends?\nHow can we apply a simple architecture to improve our own practice and service delivery?\n\nSUGGESTED MATERIALS\nSome drawing materials are provided\, so bring a sketchbook\, an iPad\, or other drawing tools to capture ideas and make them visual! \nThink Visual Meetups are monthly in-person events launched in Sydney\, Australia\, by Alan Chen & Diana Ayoub of Sh8peshifters. \nWorking with other Visual Thinkers in Australia\, India\, Norway\, Kenya\, and Houston\, Think Visual! Community is truly an international collaboration. \nPerfect for community organizers\, consultants\, facilitators\, educators\, counselors\, artists\, healthcare providers\, and anyone who works with people to understand complex systems and make an impact.
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/think-visual-houston-meetup-with-georgia-linton/
LOCATION:The Ion (Lower Level\, Conference Room 032)\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX 77002\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, US
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/112780_image.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261109T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261109T100000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111455Z
CREATED:20261031T111455Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111455Z
UID:112624-1794211200-1794218400@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Houston Cup of Capital
DESCRIPTION:Register Here: https://luma.com/d2rqt6h1 ​Join us for Capital Factory’s most popular public coffee networking event series co-hosted by Capital Factory\, Rice Alliance\, and Lilie Lab. ​New to Texas? New to Startups? New to Tech?  \n​Get introduced to other entrepreneurs and investors who are new to Houston or new to tech.  \n​Meet members of the Capital Factory and Rice University community.  \n​Drink some great coffee  \n​You never know who you might meet! Bring your energy\, your asks\, your ideas…let’s share what we’re working on and help each other out. We’ll see you there!
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/houston-cup-of-capital/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261110T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261110T140000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111455Z
CREATED:20261031T111455Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111455Z
UID:112625-1794297600-1794319200@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Hello Alice: Main Street Rising Tour Houston
DESCRIPTION:Register Here: https://www.helloalice.com/events/main-street-rising-houston About this event \nHouston is one of the fastest-growing\, most diverse cities in the country\, and that shows up in its small businesses too! On November 10\, Hello Alice is bringing Main Street Rising to The Ion\, the city’s own home base for builders\, to put a straight question in front of the room: what can AI actually do for your business this quarter? Not a keynote. Not a slide deck. A room full of Houston owners running every kind of business you can think of\, working through the same question from different angles\, and a handful of them pitching live for a share of $1\,000. Hello Alice has spent years matching small business owners to the resources that actually move their business\, grants\, guidance\, and now AI support built on what 1.6 million owners have already taught the platform. November 10 is that same idea\, in person\, at The Ion. Free to attend. Own your adventure\, and own the room. What you’ll walk away with  \nAI moves you can use Monday\, not someday. Concrete\, practical answers for a business your size\, not an enterprise <a href="http://pitch.A” target=”_blank” title=”pitch.A”>pitch.A city’s worth of perspective in one room. Houston’s range means the founder next to you is probably solving a problem you haven’t hit yet\, or already solved one you’re stuck <a href="http://on.Direct” target=”_blank” title=”on.Direct”>on.Direct access\, not a webinar. You’re in the room at The Ion\, asking the question\, not watching it from a <a href="http://feed.A” target=”_blank” title=”feed.A”>feed.A live look at what’s possible. Watch a Houston founder pitch for $1\,000 and leave with a reason to build your own case for next <a href="http://time. \nRegistration” target=”_blank” title=”time. \nRegistration”>time. \nRegistration closes on Monday\, November 9\, 2026. Interested in applying for the pitch competition too? Click here to apply (Must register as well) *Must attend in person to participate in the pitch competition and to receive the takeaways listed above. FAQ \nIs this event free? Yes\, registration is <a href="http://free.Do” target=”_blank” title=”free.Do”>free.Do I need to apply to attend\, or just to pitch? Registration is open to everyone. Applying to pitch is a separate\, optional step for founders who want to take the <a href="http://stage.When” target=”_blank” title=”stage.When”>stage.When does registration close? Registration closes Thursday\, November 5.When does the pitch application close? The pitch application closes Wednesday\, October 28.Who can apply to pitch? See Eligibility criteria in the Terms & <a href="http://Conditions.What” target=”_blank” title=”Conditions.What”>Conditions.What do I get if I win? $1\,000. Full details in the Terms & <a href="http://Conditions.What” target=”_blank” title=”Conditions.What”>Conditions.What should I bring? Business cards\, questions and an open calendar! Full details be emailed to registrants closer to the <a href="http://event. \nWhat” target=”_blank” title=”event. \nWhat”>event. \nWhat you’ll learn \nPut AI to work now\, not someday.Leave knowing how to apply AI to your business this quarter\, with practical moves you can make the same <a href="http://week.Learn” target=”_blank” title=”week.Learn”>week.Learn from operators who have actually done it.Hear how leaders who built and scaled through every kind of market are using AI in the real <a href="http://world.Grow” target=”_blank” title=”world.Grow”>world.Grow your Houston network.Connect with hundreds of local founders solving the same challenges you <a href="http://are.See” target=”_blank” title=”are.See”>are.See what it takes to win the room.Watch Houston entrepreneurs pitch live and get inspired to tell your own story on <a href="http://stage. \n ” target=”_blank” title=”stage. \n “>stage. \n 
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/hello-alice-main-street-rising-tour-houston/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/112625_image_hello-alice.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261110T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261110T183000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111456Z
CREATED:20261031T111456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111456Z
UID:112626-1794331800-1794335400@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:FirstCheck: Investor Foundations
DESCRIPTION:In a world where only the very wealthy\, well connected\, and major institutions have access to premium investment opportunities\, which have created massive wealth for a small portion of the population\, the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem. Join the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team for an evening of learning\, discussion and possibilities as we explore the basics of angel investing and the role it plays in bringing new products and services to market and the impact it has on wealth and job creation.. At this event\, you’ll learn the key components to successfully navigate the critical-path of investing in private\, early-stage companies. This session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders:  \nProspective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel InvestingInvestment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clientsEntrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their dealsEntrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors \nIon District Investor Activation Program: The Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program along with Urban Capital Network is helping build an equitable climatetech industry capable of rapid deployment by addressing a fundamental challenge: the region’s lack of funding for early-stage climatetech startups\, and especially for those led by underrepresented founders. This program from Greentown Labs and the Ion brings early-stage investors from Greater Houston—a region playing a pivotal role in the energy transition—into the fold\, offering education on climatetech investing\, channeling a pool of capital to young startups\, and catalyzing a thriving climatetech investment ecosystem that prioritizes diversity\, equity\, and inclusion. If you would like to join the program\, please fill out this form\, and if you have additional questions\, please contact Juliana Bernal Martinez at jbernal@greentownlabs.com.
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/firstcheck-investor-foundations/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/105611_image_DSC_0268-scaled-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261111T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261111T183000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111456Z
CREATED:20261031T111456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111456Z
UID:112627-1794418200-1794421800@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:First Principles: Inside the Texas A&M Space Institute
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/4gxizyq2 Houston is about to have something no other city has: football field sized lunar and Martian surface simulations\, built indoors next to Johnson Space Center. The Texas A&M Space Institute is the first tenant of NASA’s Exploration Park. It’s a 400\,000 square foot facility built to let companies and researchers test hardware against the Moon and Mars without leaving Texas. Dr. Rob Ambrose\, the Institute’s Associate Director\, will walk through what’s being built\, how it will operate\, and where startups and industry fit in. Few people are better placed to explain it. Rob spent three decades at NASA Johnson Space Center\, where he led development of Robonaut and lunar rover prototypes and retired as Division Chief for Software\, Robotics and Simulation. Today he also directs space programs for the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station. First Principles is a Houston series on space\, semiconductors\, and robotics\, with technical talks and real Q&A for founders\, engineers\, operators\, and investors. Come with questions. Wednesday\, November 11 · 5:30–6:30 PM · The Ion\, Midtown Houston. Space is limited; RSVP required.
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/first-principles-inside-the-texas-am-space-institute/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/112627_image_first_principles_rob_ambrose_luma.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261112T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261112T120000
DTSTAMP:20261106T122008Z
CREATED:20261009T121851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261106T122008Z
UID:112119-1794474000-1794484800@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Navigating Veteran Resources to Help Start and Grow Your Business
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a special National Veterans Small Business Week event! Connect with local orgs for support\, funding\, mentorship\, and more.\n\n\nCalling all Veterans and Military Family Entrepreneurs! \nJoin us for a special event during National Veterans Small Business Week designed to connect you with the resources and support needed to start\, grow\, and scale your business. This event will bring together various local organizations that specialize in veteran business support\, providing information on technical assistance\, funding opportunities\, mentorship\, and more. \nRSVP Today and secure your spot for this valuable event. \nVendors for this event is by invitation only.
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/navigating-veteran-resources-to-help-start-and-grow-your-business/
LOCATION:BakerRipley East Aldine Campus\, 3000 Aldine Mail Rte Rd Room C120\, Houston\, TX 77039\, Houston\, TX\, 77039\, US
CATEGORIES:empower
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/112119_image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261112T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261112T200000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111457Z
CREATED:20261031T111457Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111457Z
UID:112628-1794504600-1794513600@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Upstream: Digital Tech Meetup at Second Draught
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/timbergrove Upstream: Digital Tech Meetup – Monthly Social 🍻 No stage. No slides. No panels. Just upstream operators\, engineers\, founders\, and digital leaders getting together over beer and pizza. This is the informal side of the Upstream Digital Tech community. A casual\, vendor-light happy hour for people navigating digital change in oil and gas and wanting real conversations. It’s not a presentation. It’s not a pitch <a href="http://night.It’s” target=”_blank” title=”night.It’s”>night.It’s a room full of people who are actually doing the work. A place to: • Meet others working at the intersection of upstream and technology• Trade field stories\, lessons learned\, and hard truths• Talk AI\, IoT\, data\, automation\, and deployment realities• Build real relationships without a formal agenda Whether you’re deploying technology\, evaluating it\, building it\, or leading teams through it\, you’ll fit right in. Come as you <a href="http://are.Bring” target=”_blank” title=”are.Bring”>are.Bring a <a href="http://friend.Stay” target=”_blank” title=”friend.Stay”>friend.Stay as long as you like. 📍 Second Draught @ The Ion District\, Midtown Houston🗓️ Second Thursday of every month | ⏰ 5:30 PM 👉 Reserve your spot. Space is limited.
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/upstream-digital-tech-meetup-at-second-draught-2/
LOCATION:Second Draught\, 4201 Main St. Suite 130\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/106315_image_Upstream-FB-Event-v002-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261112T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261112T203000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111457Z
CREATED:20261031T111457Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111457Z
UID:112629-1794510000-1794515400@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Out in Tech Houston Monthly Mixer
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/out-in-tech-houston-monthly-mixer-tickets-1979625431957?aff=odcleoeventsincollection Out in Tech Houston is the local chapter for Out in Tech\, the world’s largest non-profit community of LGBTQ+ tech leaders. Out in Tech creates opportunities for our 50\,000 members to advance their careers\, grow their networks\, and leverage tech for social change. As with the other 30+ chapters around the world\, Out in Tech Houston provides an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ people and allies working in the technology industry to engage\, network\, and learn. About this Event Join our relaxed\, social-mixer event\, hosted on the second Thursday of every month. We’re looking forward to meeting you! This is the first time we are hosting our monthly mixer at The Ion\, and we hope to have many more. RSVP and save the date in your calendars for an evening you cannot miss! For more information\, contact houston@outintech.com.
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/out-in-tech-houston-monthly-mixer/
LOCATION:Second Draught\, 4201 Main St. Suite 130\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/110946_image_https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_783203189_1296979837623_1_original.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261113T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261113T103000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111458Z
CREATED:20261024T025038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111458Z
UID:112457-1794558600-1794565800@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:PR and Social Media Strategies to Get Found and Build Trust
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/pr-and-social-media-strategies-to-get-found-and-build-trust/ When someone searches for your business online or asks AI for a recommendation\, will they find you\, and will they trust what they find? Your website and social media accounts tell your story\, but what others say about your business also shapes your reputation. As people increasingly use AI-powered search tools to find companies\, services\, and experts\, earned media and credible third-party coverage can play a valuable role in helping people discover you. At November’s Social Media Breakfast Houston\, Felicia Perez\, APR\, founder and president of FAR Public Relations\, will share how to develop a practical PR strategy that supports your business goals and strengthens your online presence. Drawing on her experience as a former television news producer and PR strategist\, Felicia will explain how to identify stories worth telling\, earn media attention\, coordinate PR with social media\, and measure the results of your communications efforts. We’ll also discuss how to handle negative coverage\, criticism\, and online harassment when your reputation is at risk. Whether you work in marketing\, communications\, a nonprofit\, or run your own business\, you’ll leave with ideas you can apply to improve how people find and perceive your organization. What you will learn:  \nHow to build a PR plan with clear goals\, target audiences\, key messages\, and measurable <a href="http://objectives.Why” target=”_blank” title=”objectives.Why”>objectives.Why earned media and third-party credibility matter for online visibility\, including how AI search tools discover and cite <a href="http://information.How” target=”_blank” title=”information.How”>information.How to coordinate media relations and social media to strengthen your message and reach more <a href="http://people.Practical” target=”_blank” title=”people.Practical”>people.Practical ways to extend the life of media coverage and thought leadership through social <a href="http://content.How” target=”_blank” title=”content.How”>content.How to evaluate results beyond vanity metrics and approach negative press or online <a href="http://criticism. \nREGISTRATION” target=”_blank” title=”criticism. \nREGISTRATION”>criticism. \nREGISTRATION Space is limited. Please reserve your spot in advance so we can plan for breakfast and seating. SPEAKER Felicia Perez\, APR\, Founder and President\, FAR Public Relations Felicia Perez\, APR\, is the founder and president of FAR Public Relations\, a Houston-based public relations agency that helps organizations build visibility\, strengthen their reputations\, and connect with the audiences who matter most. A former television news producer turned PR strategist\, she brings a unique perspective to storytelling\, media relations\, and brand communications. She is a past president of PRSA Houston\, an adjunct instructor at the University of Houston’s Valenti School of Communication\, and a nationally recognized PR professional whose work has earned industry honors\, including a PRSA Silver Anvil Award of Excellence and recognition as one of PRSA’s 2026 Women of Impact. Website LinkedIn DETAILS 📅 Date & Time: Friday\, November 13\, 2026\, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM (9:00 AM online) 📍 Location: The Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX 77002 🚗 Parking: Red Lot– Enter 4203 Fannin Street for direct access. Complimentary up to 3 hours. Ion District Parking Garage– Enter 4111 Fannin Street. Complimentary up to 2 hours. 🥐 Breakfast: Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and coffee. LIVESTREAM LINKS YouTube Linkedin Facebook THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS A special thank you to our sponsors: Walmart\, Impact HUB Houston\, The Ion\, Zoetica Media\, Mighty Strategic Consulting\, and SmartSocialMastery. SMBHOU NEEDS YOU The Social Media Breakfast of Houston connects a community of over 1\,600 PR\, Marketing\, and Small Business professionals who meet monthly to learn\, connect\, and collaborate. We’re looking for breakfast sponsors to help fuel the conversation for just $100 per month. Want to be an exclusive sponsor in your category? 📧 kami@zoeticamedia.com
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/pr-and-social-media-strategies-to-get-found-and-build-trust/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/112457_image_SMB.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261113T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261113T103000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111458Z
CREATED:20261031T111458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111458Z
UID:112630-1794558600-1794565800@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Ion Networking with Cup of Joey
DESCRIPTION:What is the purpose of Cup of Joey? It is to create a connected culture of coffee shop-open networking across our region. Every Friday morning\, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new and expand your current networks\, talk about tech\, inspire innovation\, and create community. So\, what is the difference between a cup of joe and a Cup of Joe-Y? It is the WHY. It’s not what you do. It is why you do it! At the Ion\, these are questions that we want to explore with the tech and innovation community. So\, show up\, be friendly\, and make new connections. Know your why\, and we will get to the future together. The future is only a cup away. Register Here: https://www.cupofjoey.org/
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/ion-networking-with-cup-of-joey-5/
LOCATION:Ion – Lobby\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/103812_image_CoJ1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261113T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261113T113000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111458Z
CREATED:20261031T111458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111458Z
UID:112632-1794564000-1794569400@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:SCORE Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:About SCORE Office Hours SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer\, expert business mentors. Since 1964\, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs start\, grow\, or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10\,000 volunteers provide free\, expert mentoring\, resources\, and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Office Hours with SCORE take place each Friday morning. Additional partners will be on-site the second Friday of each month (excluding holidays)
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/score-office-hours-4/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/103819_image_6H1A1559-HDR-Edit-scaled-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261113T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261113T103000
DTSTAMP:20261113T133423Z
CREATED:20261031T133424Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261113T133423Z
UID:112683-1794558600-1794565800@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:PR and Social Media Strategies to Get Found and Build Trust
DESCRIPTION:How to optimize your brand’s reach and discoverability.\n\n\nWhen someone searches for your business online or asks AI for a recommendation\, will they find you\, and will they trust what they find? \nYour website and social media accounts tell your story\, but what others say about your business also shapes your reputation. As people increasingly use AI-powered search tools to find companies\, services\, and experts\, earned media and credible third-party coverage can play a valuable role in helping people discover you. \nAt November’s Social Media Breakfast Houston\, Felicia Perez\, APR\, founder and president of FAR Public Relations\, will share how to develop a practical PR strategy that supports your business goals and strengthens your online presence. \nDrawing on her experience as a former television news producer and PR strategist\, Felicia will explain how to identify stories worth telling\, earn media attention\, coordinate PR with social media\, and measure the results of your communications efforts. \nWe’ll also discuss how to handle negative coverage\, criticism\, and online harassment when your reputation is at risk. \nWhether you work in marketing\, communications\, a nonprofit\, or run your own business\, you’ll leave with ideas you can apply to improve how people find and perceive your organization. \nWhat you will learn: \n\nHow to build a PR plan with clear goals\, target audiences\, key messages\, and measurable objectives.\nWhy earned media and third-party credibility matter for online visibility\, including how AI search tools discover and cite information.\nHow to coordinate media relations and social media to strengthen your message and reach more people.\nPractical ways to extend the life of media coverage and thought leadership through social content.\nHow to evaluate results beyond vanity metrics and approach negative press or online criticism.\n\n \nREGISTRATION \nSpace is limited. Please reserve your spot in advance so we can plan for breakfast and seating. \n \nSPEAKER \nFelicia Perez\, APR\, Founder and President\, FAR Public Relations \nFelicia Perez\, APR\, is the founder and president of FAR Public Relations\, a Houston-based public relations agency that helps organizations build visibility\, strengthen their reputations\, and connect with the audiences who matter most. \nA former television news producer turned PR strategist\, she brings a unique perspective to storytelling\, media relations\, and brand communications. She is a past president of PRSA Houston\, an adjunct instructor at the University of Houston’s Valenti School of Communication\, and a nationally recognized PR professional whose work has earned industry honors\, including a PRSA Silver Anvil Award of Excellence and recognition as one of PRSA’s 2026 Women of Impact. \nWebsite \nLinkedIn \n \nDETAILS \n📅 Date & Time: Friday\, November 13\, 2026\, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM (9:00 AM online) \n📍 Location: The Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX 77002 \n🚗 Parking: Red Lot– Enter 4203 Fannin Street for direct access. Complimentary up to 3 hours. Ion District Parking Garage– Enter 4111 Fannin Street. Complimentary up to 2 hours. \n🥐 Breakfast: Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and coffee. \n \nLIVESTREAM LINKS \nYouTube \nLinkedin \nFacebook \n \nTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS \nA special thank you to our sponsors: Walmart\, Impact HUB Houston\, The Ion\, Zoetica Media\, Mighty Strategic Consulting\, and SmartSocialMastery. \n \nSMBHOU NEEDS YOU \nThe Social Media Breakfast of Houston connects a community of over 1\,600 PR\, Marketing\, and Small Business professionals who meet monthly to learn\, connect\, and collaborate. We’re looking for breakfast sponsors to help fuel the conversation for just $100 per month. Want to be an exclusive sponsor in your category? 📧 kami@zoeticamedia.com
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/pr-and-social-media-strategies-to-get-found-and-build-trust-2/
LOCATION:The Ion\, 4201 Main street\, Houston\, TX 77002\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, US
CATEGORIES:connect,empower,featured,houston,inspire
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/112455_image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261116T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261116T130000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111459Z
CREATED:20261031T111459Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111459Z
UID:112633-1794826800-1794834000@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Entrepreneurship Roundtable with OPEN
DESCRIPTION:Register Here: https://luma.com/uah9mtju This event will be a facilitated discussion bringing together founders\, builders\, and innovators to explore what it takes to create\, scale\, and sustain meaningful ventures. Every roundtable will have different topics of discussion as well. Here is the following criteria for individuals to join: ​1. Emerging Founders – ​Actively developing a startup\, product\, or business concept – ​May be pre-revenue or early revenue (<$500K ARR)Committed to launching or validating their idea within the next 12 months ​2. Established Entrepreneurs – ​Have founded or co-founded a company (past or present)– ​Are seeking to scale\, pivot\, or build their “next best thing”– ​Have raised funding\, bootstrapped\, or achieved meaningful revenue milestones ​3. Intrapreneurs & Innovators – ​Corporate or technical professionals building new initiatives\, divisions\, or technologies within their organizations– ​Interested in transitioning to entrepreneurship or investing in early-stage ventures ​Those who are selected will be sent a link to purchase their optional lunch ticket for $20. The cost is to cover the food. If you opt out of lunch\, the event is free.
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/entrepreneurship-roundtable-with-open-2/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/107897_image_Entrepreneurship_Roundtable_Promo-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261117T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261117T130000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111459Z
CREATED:20261031T111459Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111459Z
UID:112634-1794916800-1794920400@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:What CEOs\, CCOs\, and CXOs Should Know Before Hiring Another BD Team
DESCRIPTION:Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-ceos-ccos-and-cxos-should-know-before-hiring-another-bd-team-tickets-2003936345554?aff=ebdsoporgprofile OverviewBefore you hire another BD person\, find out whether the real problem is your team\, your strategy\, or the commercial system behind <a href="http://both. \nWhat” target=”_blank” title=”both. \nWhat”>both. \nWhat CEOs\, CCOs\, and CXOs Should Know Before Hiring Another BD TeamYour pipeline is not where it needs to be. Revenue growth is inconsistent. The team is busy\, but you are not seeing enough new opportunities move. So somebody says: “We need more business development people.” Maybe. But before you hire another BD person\, build another sales team\, or add another layer of headcount\, there is a much harder question leadership needs to answer: Is the problem really the people? Because adding more people to a commercial system that is not working does not fix the system. It usually makes the problem more expensive. That is what we are going to talk about at the next Industrial Growth Series session at The Ion: What CEOs\, CCOs\, and CXOs Should Know Before Hiring Another BD TeamThis conversation is specifically for the executives making decisions about growth. The CEO wondering why the pipeline is inconsistent. The CCO trying to create more predictable revenue. The CRO being asked why activity is not converting. The founder who is still personally carrying too many relationships. The leadership team considering another BD hire because they know something needs to change. Before you write the job description\, we need to talk. Because we see industrial and oil and gas companies hire talented business development professionals and put them into situations where they were never set up to win. They are told: “Go find business.” But who exactly are they supposed to target? Which accounts matter most? What problems are those customers trying to solve? How is the company positioned? What makes the company different? Which relationships already exist? Who owns those relationships? What happens after the first conversation? Who is responsible for follow-up? What qualifies as a real opportunity? What needs to happen to move that opportunity forward? And what does leadership actually expect BD to accomplish? If those answers are unclear\, another hire may simply create more activity. More networking. More meetings. More names in the CRM. More conference attendance. More LinkedIn connections. More pipeline that looks busy. But not necessarily more revenue. That is the part executives need to understand. Business development is not just a people problem. It is a commercial infrastructure problem. And if the infrastructure underneath the team is weak\, adding more people can actually make it harder to see where things are breaking. Maybe the issue is positioning. Maybe you are trying to sell too many things to too many people. Maybe your team is talking to the wrong accounts. Maybe relationships exist\, but they are concentrated with one person. Maybe outreach is happening without enough strategy behind it. Maybe opportunities are being created\, but the follow-up is inconsistent. Maybe deals are sitting in the pipeline without a real next step. Maybe everyone is working hard\, but nobody has clear ownership of moving the opportunity. Those are very different problems. And they require very different solutions. Hiring another BD person should not be the default answer every time growth stalls. Sometimes you need people. Sometimes you need better leadership. Sometimes you need clearer positioning. Sometimes you need stronger account strategy. Sometimes you need a real follow-up process. Sometimes you need to fix the pipeline you already have before putting more names into the top of it. And sometimes you need to stop expecting one BD person to magically solve a commercial problem the entire organization helped create. That is the conversation. During this session\, we are going to look at what CEOs\, CCOs\, CROs\, founders\, and other senior leaders should evaluate before adding another business development hire. We will talk about: • Why good BD professionals still fail inside established companies • How to tell whether you actually have a people problem or a system problem • What needs to exist before a BD hire walks through the door • Why “go network and bring us opportunities” is not a business development strategy • Where opportunities commonly stall between first conversation and revenue • Why adding more leads can make a broken pipeline worse • How leadership expectations can unintentionally create BD failure • Why existing customer relationships are often underutilized • What executives should be looking for in pipeline reviews • How to determine whether your company needs more headcount\, better structure\, or both This is not an anti-hiring conversation. There are absolutely companies that need to expand their BD teams. But if you are going to make that investment\, the goal should be to put the right people into an environment where they can actually produce. Not hire someone\, hand them a CRM login and a list of conferences\, and hope revenue appears. If your company is planning to hire BD in 2027… If you already have a BD team and cannot figure out why the results are inconsistent… If your founder or CEO is still carrying too much of the sales process… Or if you are spending more money on commercial growth without seeing enough movement… Get in the room for this one.
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/what-ceos-ccos-and-cxos-should-know-before-hiring-another-bd-team/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/112634_image_Screenshot-2026-10-29-at-3.12.38-PM.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261117T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261117T193000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111500Z
CREATED:20261031T111500Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111500Z
UID:112635-1794938400-1794943800@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Houston Pitch Nights at The Ion: What Goes Into Your Pitch Deck
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/fwo5t7zm​ Hello friends! ​Join us for our 3rd meetup\, where we’ll explore the key “ingredients” of a successful pitch deck\, including the all-important “secret sauce.” ​You will learn the essential slide structure every startup needs for investor presentations and discover how to effectively showcase your unique problem\, solution\, and market opportunity. ​You’ll collaborate with fellow founders at The Ion to refine your core messaging and get actionable feedback to create a compelling\, investment-ready slide deck.
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/houston-pitch-nights-at-the-ion-what-goes-into-your-pitch-deck/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/112635_image_HPN-11-17.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T200000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111500Z
CREATED:20261031T111500Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111500Z
UID:112636-1794981600-1795032000@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Houston Open Source Society Meetup
DESCRIPTION:Register Here: https://houstonopensourcesociety.com/meetings/wednesday/third/ The Houston Open Source Society (HOSS) is a society dedicated to promoting open source software education\, development\, and support. We profess collaborative coding practices\, user-ownership of data and software\, and digital civic engagement in the Houston metropolitan area. Our society is always flat\, and free. We’re a voluntary community organization that functions as a democratic egalitarian collective. Money never exchanges hands. We’re not a profit-corporation nor a 501(c)(3) non-profit\, we’re just a bunch of Houstonians from all walks of life. We meet every Wednesday at different locations around Houston. Each meeting features talks and discussions about open source projects\, and technologies. We also host collaborative coding sessions\, and classes\, and opportunities to contribute to important civic technology initiatives. Hacker\, programmer\, student or tech enthusiast? Check us out! What we do:  Join us every Wednesday for classes\, talks\, discussions\, coding sessions\, and community building  \nTalks: Share knowledge through lightning talks about technology you’re interested <a href="http://in.Classes:” target=”_blank” title=”in.Classes:”>in.Classes: Learn software development at all levels\, from scripting to kernel <a href="http://design.Open” target=”_blank” title=”design.Open”>design.Open Source Development: Collaborate on projects and learn how to own your software and <a href="http://data.Civic” target=”_blank” title=”data.Civic”>data.Civic Technology: Contribute to OpenStreetMap\, Wikidata\, Wikipedia\, and Wikimedia <a href="http://Commons.Community” target=”_blank” title=”Commons.Community”>Commons.Community Building; Foster connections between developers\, designers\, and technology enthusiasts
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/houston-open-source-society-meetup/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T190000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111501Z
CREATED:20261031T111501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111501Z
UID:112637-1795021200-1795028400@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:How to Start a Startup
DESCRIPTION:You have an idea…now what? \nBefore you start looking for funding\, it’s important to ensure that your idea is both viable and valuable — if it doesn’t have a sound model and a market willing to pay for it\, investors won’t be interested anyway. Join us after the session\, hosted by Heath Butler\, for a networking happy hour! Target Audience:  \nStartups and Entrepreneurs: early-stage entrepreneurs\, entrepreneurs testing ideas for a pivotCommunity Members: people with an idea for a startup but unsure what to do next\, small business ownersCorporate Innovators: intrapreneurs\, decision-makers tasked with creating and leading sustainable changeAcademic Partners: students or faculty with an idea for a startup \nAbout the Speakers:Heath Butler\, Mercury Fund Heath focuses on B2B SaaS and B2B2C Marketplace investments in future-of-work and fin-tech themes. Heath also manages the organization’s venture studio and network platform\, including corporate\, service provider\, and startup community relationships. Prior to joining Mercury\, Heath co-founded Gestalt Theory Venture Partners\, a venture studio and angel investing group. Prior to Gestalt\, Heath held leadership roles as a seasoned go-to-market and corporate development executive at Insperity (NYSE: NSP)\, the nation’s leading HR outsourcing services provider. Prior to Insperity\, Heath led business development for EnergyWorkspace.com\, founded a fin-tech startup\, and developed his foundational management skills at UPS. Outside of Mercury\, Heath is an active angel investor and advocates for democratizing access to private equity opportunities for all investors. He is an active startup in the Houston innovation community\, a mentor\, and a regular speaker/mentor within The Ion. Heath enjoys traveling with family and likes to read\, golf\, cycle\, and is an avid poker player.  
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/how-to-start-a-startup/
LOCATION:Ion – Forum Stairs\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/105625_image_IMG_1515-scaled-1.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T183000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111503Z
CREATED:20261031T111503Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111503Z
UID:112638-1795023000-1795026600@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Perfecting Your Pitch
DESCRIPTION:Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur\, a visionary startup owner\, or a tech aficionado\, this event is tailor-made for you. Join us and discover the indispensable value of a compelling pitch deck. About the Speakers Dr. Doug Franklin “Dr. Doug” is the CEO and Co-Founder of DeckLaunch and the COO of Fresh Tech Solutionz. He has fifteen years of management\, marketing\, and operations experience\, including opportunities with iconic firms such as Coca-Cola\, ExxonMobil\, and RJ Reynolds. Dr. Franklin is also a leading scholar that has presented at more than a dozen conferences and has published in peer-reviewed journals such as The Leadership Quarterly and The Journal of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators. Dr. Franklin graduated with a Doctoral Degree in Ethical Leadership from the University of St. Thomas Houston and currently teaches Quantitative and Mixed Research Methods at UST. Derrell Noris With more than ten years dedicated to developing business operations and software development\, Noris is currently the Co-Founder and CTO of Deck Launch and the CEO of Fresh Tech Solutionz. Both successful startups provide services to growing businesses looking to mobilize their outreach further. Nicholas Mbaezue-Daniel Jr. Nick is the founder of Egis Project Management LLC\, a project management firm dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses for projects in the industries of Construction\, Technology\, and Business Enterprise. He also serves as Director of Project Management for Fresh Tech Solutionz and as Chief Operations Officer at DeckLaunch LLC. Nicholas considers himself a servant of entrepreneurship because he sees entrepreneurship as a major vehicle to uplift the community.
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/perfecting-your-pitch-2/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 028\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/103828_image_DSC_8090-scaled-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T130000
DTSTAMP:20261113T133420Z
CREATED:20260302T025008Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261113T133420Z
UID:106382-1795003200-1795006800@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Community. Connection.
DESCRIPTION:Join Impact Hub Houston's monthly space for entrepreneurs & changemakers to be Actively HUMAN\, together. Led by Tracie Jae (The Quiet Rebel)\n\n\n\n**SUMMER PAUSE** \nDuring June & July 2026 – we invite you to join us for unstructured community co-working time. \n \nMark Your Calendar: It’s Time to Connect! \nAre you working on a solution or startup that creates positive impact in our community? Then you have a standing invitation to join Impact Hub Houston at our monthly Community. Connection. meetup — a HUMAN-centered space to step away from the grind and into community with fellow impact-driven founders. \nBetween the pitches\, the pivots\, and the pressure to always have it together\, it’s easy to forget that the most valuable resource we have is each other. That’s why we created Community. Connection. — a judgment-free zone that reminds you community isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential. Whether you need to reflect\, reconnect\, recharge\, or simply remember that you’re not alone\, join us for a moment where you can stop performing and simply BE. \nCome as you are\, with whatever joys\, challenges\, or questions you’re facing right now. Celebrating a breakthrough? Navigating uncertainty? Feeling stuck or burned out? All of it is welcome here. Just bring your authentic self and a willingness to listen\, share\, and be present with others who understand the unique challenges and rewards of building something meaningful. \nCommunity. Connection. Show up\, share out\, and shine on! \n\n\n\nThis session will be facilitated by IHH Team + Community Member Tracie Jae\, The Quiet Rebel.
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/community-connection-9/
LOCATION:Impact Hub Houston\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX 77002\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, US
CATEGORIES:connect,empower,featured,houston,inspire
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/105238_image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261119T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261119T190000
DTSTAMP:20261031T111504Z
CREATED:20261031T111504Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T111504Z
UID:112639-1795078800-1795114800@houston.impacthub.net
SUMMARY:Houston Startup Speedrun
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wades-houston-startup-speedrun-at-the-ion-tickets-1988360089553?aff=erelexpmlt The Houston Startup Speedrun is an intensive and fast-paced program designed to provide both early-stage founders and aspiring entrepreneurs with a comprehensive understanding of the Startup Founder’s Journey and the Houston startup ecosystem through a carefully curated curriculum consisting of 10 consecutive 50-minute sessions. Wade Pinder\, your host and facilitator\, is an experienced and trusted ecosystem guide for many Houston-based stakeholders. With a focus on efficiency and accommodating the schedules of full-time working professionals\, this program aims to quickly give you a “lay of the land” while preparing you for your entrepreneurial journey.
URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/houston-startup-speedrun-3/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:connect
ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR